Should he win the USA presidency - HOW WILL HE IMPACT THE PACIFIC?
In 2005 online forum friends persuaded me to listen to Obama's speech given at Knox College. He was impressive even then as an unknown. Often there were online forum debates over his suitability and possible likelihood of becoming the 1st black president. Since about mid 2006 he has become a global household name and I often wondered why Condolezza Rice never threw herself in at the forefront of the Republican race as the answer to the Obama-Clinton battle for first place as 1st black and 1st woman to gain the position as front runner and possibly presidency.
Certainly his background as an Hawaiian raised young person and the overwhelming support he received from Hawaii, American Samoa and Guam is indicative of the claim that Pacific peoples have made of him as their own. CHANGE that is positive in terms of uplifting the social health of Pacific peoples not only within America but in and around the Pacific may have a significant impact upon the loyalty that many Pacific island nations are now slowly directing toward Asia. The shift in global political power toward China and Europe may not necessarily be in the long term interests of the Pacific. While the USA may have directed too much attention toward the war in Iraq and that of anti-terrorism, it's political beliefs in fairness and democracy is what makes USA a nation that can be called to account for some of its wrong doings. I am not so sure when I deliberately avoid buying foodstuffs or cosmetics from China or other East European countries that the same standards would be open to examination. Barack Obama has won the first part of the political race. I wonder though if the rest of white America will allow the Republican's to lose and allow minority groups to gain the advantage of limelight and all other benefits and freedoms that might follow.
